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HSInjury Blog 
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- Senator’s Wife and Daughter Suffer Serious Injuries in Chain Reaction Car Accident
- SUV Hits, Kills Woman in Wheelchair in Suffolk, Virginia (VA)
- Toyota Execs Appear to Be Avoiding Depositions
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- Announcer Hit by Monster Truck in Charlottesville
- Livestock Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries, Death
- Two Tires Fly off Tractor-Trailer Truck Striking Three Vehicles near Havelock, North Carolina
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- Malpractice Reform Would Save Little Money, Harm Patients Already Injured
- Surgical Mistake Reportedly Led to Rep. Murtha’s Death
- Prescription Drug Dispensing Error Costs Rite Aid $2.5 Million
Railroad Injury/FELA
- Car Driver Trying to Beat Utah (UT) Commuter Train Kills Self, Passenger
- Norfolk Southern Required to Pay Multi-Million Dollar Penalty for Accident Releasing Toxic Chlorine Gas
- Teens' Deaths Raise Questions Over Controlling Pedestrian Access to Train Tracks
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- Drunk Driving Devastates Victims, Causes Brain Damage
- Even Slow Speed Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injury
- Concussions: Know the Signs and Symptoms of These Common Brain Injuries
Wrongful Death
- Woman in Wheelchair Killed While Crossing Constance Road in Suffolk
- Small Plane Kills South Carolina Beachgoer While Making Emergency Landing
- Virginia Beach Student Killed in Car Wreck Remembered as Jovial and “Well-Liked”
Slips, Trips & Falls
- Texting and Walking Could Lead to Injury from a Slip, Trip, or Fall
- Norfolk Waste Water Plant Worker Falls to His Death
- Wet Wal-Mart Floor Blamed for Nebraska (NE) Woman's Fatal Brain Injury
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
- Illegally Operating Bus Crashes, Kills 6 and Injures 16 in Arizona (AZ)
- Pilot Killed when Cessna T303 Crusader Airplane Crashed in Louisa, Virginia
- Pilot Killed in Tragic Plane Crash
Dangerous Drugs/Product Recalls
- Bayer Claims They Have "Meritorious" Defense Against Yaz/Yasmin Birth Control Lawsuits
- Man Harmed by Acne Drug Accutane Wins $25 Million Judgment
- Evidence Mounts Linking Avandia to Heart Attacks, Drug Company Tried to Hide the Facts
All Serious Injuries
- Chesapeake Police to Begin Carrying Tasers
- Loss of Life Resulted from Virginia International Terminal's Safety Violations
- Careless Asbestos Disposal Causes Expsoures to Countless UConn Students, Staff
General
Norfolk-Portsmouth Personal Injury Lawyer 
Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
Northeast NC Personal Injury Lawyer
Firm News
- Attorney Examines Fatal Truck Accident
Posted on 3/16/2010 - Attorney Discusses Hours-of-Services Regulations
Posted on 3/16/2010 - Attorney Examines Unsavory Marketing Tactics by Johnson & Johnson
Posted on 3/12/2010 - FRA and NTSB Cite Fatigue as Contributing to Railroad Accidents
Posted on 3/11/2010 - Attorney Discusses Legal Tactics Railroad Companies May Take in Court
Posted on 3/9/2010
Library
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- What to Do if You Hit a Deer
- No Text is Worth Dying For
- Don't play the insurance company's games of delay, defend and deny. Review this article, check out our videos and free consumer reports, then give our firm a call so you can talk to an experienced injury lawyer for a free consultation.
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- This page provides information about the complexity of trucking insurance and how it differs from regular car insurance. After you've had a chance to review this page, please take a look at our other articles, blogs, videos, and consumer guides on trucking topics.
- Here are some results from our truck accident cases. After you've taken a look, please give us a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
- Car and Truck Accidents/Personal Injury Law in West Virginia (WV)
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- Surgical Instruments Left Inside Patients Can Cause Serious Injuries
- Here are some results from our medical malpractice and medical negligence cases. After you've reviewed them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042.
- Medical Mistake in Rehabilitation Center Causes Death in Elderly Woman
Railroad Injury/FELA
- Railroad Worker Mesothelioma/Cancers: Learn Where the Toxic Asbestos Was and When the Rail Companies Knew It Was a Problem
- CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Other Rail Companies Looking at “Greener” Engines, but Appear to Neglect Health of Rail Workers.
- Here are some results from our railroad injury and FELA cases. After you've reviewed them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- Here are some of our results for traumatic brain injury and closed head injury cases. After you review them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Damage, Brain Injury or Closed Head Injuries
- Head injury: forgotten trauma
Wrongful Death
- Alcohol and prescription medication can seriously impair a driver's cognitive ability potentially leading a serious car accident. To learn more, please continue reading...
- Internet and Social Networks Add New Tools for Attorneys to Strengthen Client’s Case in Court
- We've represented family members who lost a loved one in an accident. Below are some of the case results. After you review them, give me a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
Slips, Trips & Falls
- Here are some results for our slip, trip, and fall cases. After you review them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
- Richmond, Virginia (VA) Native Has Serious Injury to Knee After a Fall on Algae Covered Sidewalk
- Chronic Pain Caused by Fall in Atrium with Leak in Skylights
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
- Some regional airlines have used car parts in their airplanes. These infractions are a major issue and completely unacceptable. To learn more, please continue reading...
- Virginia (VA) enters the modern era regarding boating licenses
- Boating accidents and injuries in Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA)
Dangerous Drugs/Product Recalls
- Dangerous Birth Control Medication and Their Terrible Side Effects
- Paxil is a Dangerous Drug and You Need to Know the Risks
- Avandia is a Dangerous Drug and You Need to Know the Side Effects
All Serious Injuries
- Researching whether an injury lawyer violated Virginia State Bar rules is important. You need an ethical and respected attorney. That's why you should call our office right away. Our firm enjoys a Martindale Hubbell rating of AV which means we have a reputation for the highest ethical standards and have over 100 years of combined legal experience.
- Suffered scarring or disfigurement from an accident? You've come to the right place. Our attorneys are here to help you. Check out our FREE consumer reports and view our video library.
- Many States Adopting Voluntary Mediation in Injury Cases
The Client Experience
- This client, Debbie, was told by another lawyer that she did not have a case. We were happy to prove that lawyer wrong and our legal team successfully obtained a settlement for Debbie.
- This client received a quick response from our legal team and felt fully informed throughout the litigation process.
- Our firm will look out for your best interests all the way through the litigation process. This client's experience attests to that commitment.
Testimony Excerpts from Personal Injury Cases
- Actual excerpts of testimony from personal injury cases in Virginia/Carolina and elsehwere are presented (Group 1)
- Testimony Excerpts-Orthopedic doctor/surgeon
- Testimony Excerpts-Materials Engineer-Norfolk Southern
Co-Counsel
Firm Newsletters
- Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis, and Appleton - Personal Injury Attorney's Spring 2010 Newsletter
- Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis, and Appleton - Personal Injury Attorney's Spring 2009 Newsletter
- Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis, and Appleton Personal Injury Attorney's Summer 2009 Newsletter
All We Do is Injury Law
- Lawyers support diversity and equality...
- Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton Video
- One of our Attorneys Recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly
FREE Reports
- The Free Best Car Accident Guide To Injuries In Virginia
- TOP TEN TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED VIRGINIA/CAROLINA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYERS
- The Free Railroad Worker's Do's & Don'ts When Injured at a Railroad Booklet
Virginia Supreme Court Decisions
- Rascher v. Friend is a personal injury case where a minivan hit a bike rider. The Virginia Supreme Court reversed a decision by the Prince William circuit court which had ruled in favor of the defendant. The Supreme Court asserted the plaintiff (i.e. injured victim) was not contributory negligent in the accident.
- Roberts v. CSX Transportation is a personal injury case and the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the a new trial is necessary since the original jury trial involved a potential juror who had financial investments with CSX Transportation and the plaintiff's attorney had to use a peremptory challenge to remove the juror. Under Virginia law, the circuit court should have removed the juror before this action was necessary by the attorney.
- Williams v. Le is a wrongful death case and the Virginia Supreme Court decided a new trial was necessary since the Fairfax County circuit court made a mistake by instructing the jury to follow "superseding intervening causation" which basically asserted that the defendant (Dr. Le) was not at fault, even in the slightest degree. The Supreme Court disagreed asserting that defendant's actions need to be examined in a new trial to determine liability.
Directories
- This is a directory of neurosurgeons in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). We are not endorsing any of the neurosurgeons in this directory. In addition, this is not a comprehensive list. If a neurosurgeon would like to be added, please contact our firm at 1-800-752-0042.
- This is a directory of neurosurgeons in Norfolk, Virginia (VA). We are not endorsing any of the neurosurgeons in this directory. In addition, this is not a comprehensive list. If a neurosurgeon would like to be added, please contact our firm at 1-800-752-0042.
- This is a directory of neurosurgeons in Chesapeake, Virginia (VA). We are not endorsing any of the neurosurgeons in this directory. In addition, this is not a comprehensive list. If a neurosurgeon would like to be added, please contact our firm at 1-800-752-0042.
Exhibits - How We Present Medical Evidence
Over 100 Years of Legal Experience Ready to Work for You
"All We Do Is Injury Law." That's the motto at Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton law firm. We focus exclusively on injury law and are dedicated to representing people injured due to the carelessness and fault of others. Examples of cases we handle include trucking accidents/injuries and car accidents, railroad accidents, faulty product injuries, and medical malpractice claims. Our firm has represented thousands of accident victims which led to a lot of legal experience. In fact, our lawyers have over 100 years combined legal experience.
Our lawyers have deep roots in the Commonwealth. Rick Shapiro, John Cooper, and Emily Mapp Brannon were all born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia (VA). John, Rick, and James Lewis attended prestigious Virginia law schools including the University of Virginia, George Mason University, and the College of William & Mary. Our lawyers handled jury trials throughout the state including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, the Eastern Shore, Richmond, Petersburg, Roanoke, and innumerable other cities and counties in Virginia.
In 2005, our law firm was the first plaintiff's injury firm in Virginia selected for membership in a prestigious international group of highly ethical law firms, called Primerus. This organization carefully screens law firms and the Wall Street Journal reported "[Primerus] wants to offer consumers a way to pick the good from the bad by establishing a sort of 'Good Housekeeping' seal of approval for attorneys." Also, our law firm has the highest available "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell lawyer rating service. Two lawyers with our firm have been designated Virginia "Superlawyers"
Our attorneys are the editors of the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, the Norfolk Injuryboard, and the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard law blogs-and we are proud to state that we provide free, pro bono legal articles all year to consumers on injury prevention, and health and safety topics. All our attorneys (as well as our law firm) provide our time and make donations to a wide variety of charities as a way of giving back to the community besides editing the Injuryboard law blogs.
There are a small number of law firms that have actually been involved in transportation/vehicle injury litigation in nearly every state along the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S.A. (Our injury law handles cases in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Washington D.C., South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Maryland, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and beyond).
The firm's main office is in Virginia Beach, Virginia, near the Northeast North Carolina border, and we have a NE NC office in Elizabeth City, NC. Attorneys and staff with our firm reside in both North Carolina and Virginia, and our lawyers are licensed in VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, & KY.
We cannot legally state we are the best, top, injury lawyers in Virginia, Carolina or beyond. However, we can tell you that many of our lawyers have been selected for the highest honors in our area of injury law and two of our lawyers are currently in "Best Lawyers in America."
In October of 2000, our law firm and co-counsel obtained the largest verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person ($46 Million verdict, with interest, $60 Million settled confidentially during appeal).
When we accept an injury case, we bring over 100 years combined legal experience to the table, and we have earned the respect of opposing attorneys and the Courts the old fashioned way: by working hard and by being ethical injury attorneys.
Quick Contact
Main Office
1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757) 460-7776
Fax: (757) 460.3428
Toll Free: (800) 752.0042
Get Directions
Hampton-Peninsula Area Office
Mill Point Center
101 Eaton Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
Phone: (757) 788-8162
Fax: (757) 460-3428
Toll Free: (800) 752-0042
Get Directions
NE NC Office
101 E. Elizabeth Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (757) 460-7776
Fax: (757) 460.3428
Toll Free: (800) 752.0042
Get Directions
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Case Results
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT EVERY CASE IS DIFFERENT, AND THE VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS MENTIONED ON THIS WEBSITE, WHILE ACCURATE, DO NOT REPRESENT WHAT WE MAY OBTAIN FOR YOU IN YOUR CASE.
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Passengers Recover $1,512,000.00
- Rear Ender-Neck/Cervical Fusion Surgery, Lost Income and Earnings
- Pedestrians Struck by Automobile Recover $540,000.00
- Car Accident-minivan-knee surgery
- Crosswalk Accident With Broken Leg Settles For $227,000.00
Awarded: $1,512,000.00
Awarded: $545,000.00
Awarded: $227,000
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- MACK truck-trailer-wreck/leg fractures
- Truck-Train crossing collision-back injuries
- Automobile Accident Causing Coma and Paralysis
- Collision Between Two Big Rigs Creates Fireball
- Virginia Automobile Accident
Awarded: Counsel settled with the motorist's insurer, and then with two additional underinsurance carriers for a total settlement of $600,000 which constituted all available insurance.
Awarded: Case settled at mediation for $450,000.00, from the parked truck’s insurance, plus additional monies and concessions from the client’s workers’ compensation insurer
Awarded: The case was settled for $350,000.00 without the necessity of a trial.
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- Retained Surgical Sponge and Subsequent Complications
- Failed Back Surgery
- Failure to Diagnose/ER Doctor/vascular incident (aortic aneurysim)
- Gastric Bypass (stomach stapling) Surgery complications
- Gallbladder Surgery Error
Awarded: $425,000.00 Settlement
Awarded: The case was settled before the trial for 1.25 million dollars.
Awarded: $700,000.00
Awarded: $550,000.00 settlement during mediation.
Awarded: $425,000
Railroad Injury/FELA
- Shoulder Injury requiring surgery for Locomotive Engineer
- Locomotive Engineer with Shoulder and Knee Injuries
- Railroad Conductor gets back injury due to fall in ballast depression
- Railroad conductor/back injury-surgery/Safety Appliance act Violations
- Locomotive Engine Fire causes Rail Engineer right arm and wrist surgery
Awarded: The Jacksonville, Florida State Court jury returned a $978,000.00 verdict in favor of TA against the railroad.
Awarded: Several days before court-ordered mediation, the parties arrived at a settlement of $950,000.00.
Awarded: The case was settled for $900,000
Awarded: The case was settled at mediation for $700,000.00
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- Gas Station Worker Pinned In building-train derailment, brain injury
- Brain Injury To Railroad Engineer Caused By Exploding Valve on Engine (verdict)
Awarded: $46,000,000, with Interest 60 Million
Awarded: $365,000.00
Wrongful Death
- Wrongful Death-Car Struck By Tractor Trailer
- Car Accident-Death of Minor/Child-Wrongful Death Settlement
- Wrongful Death settlements-Asbestos/Mesothelioma Cases
Awarded: $2,400,000.00
Slips, Trips & Falls
- Fiberglass Ladder Defect-Knee Injury/surgery-Bauer brand
- Insurance Adjuster Recovers $150,000.00 for Injuries Sustained at Local Restaurant
- Skiing/Ski Lift Operator Negligence-Knee/Leg Injury
- Department Store Shelf Falls on Customer
- Trip & Fall, Foot/Leg Injuries at a Virginia Restaurant
Awarded: 150,000.00
Awarded: $120,000.00
Awarded: Confidential Settlement
All Serious Injuries
- Personal Injury/Partial Loss of Eyesight-Bar/Restaurant/Nightclub Lack of Security- $500,000.00 VA Settlement
- Pilot Suffers Electrical Shock Injury At Hotel Ending Commercial Pilot’s Career--Settlement Soon Before Federal Court Jury Trial
Awarded: $500,000
Awarded: 1.5 Million Settlement For Electrical Shock Injury to Hotel Guest/Pilot
Other
- Faulty Product - Fiberglass Stepladder Failure
- Skiing Accident
- Hotel Guest-Glass Coffee Carafe Shatters-Hand Injury
Awarded: Ultimately, the parties all submitted to mediation carried out by a retired judge. The case was resolved for $375,000.00, with part paid by both Bauer and AT&T.
Awarded: The case was tried and the jury returned a verdict for $150,000.00, plus interest and costs. No settlement offer was ever made before the verdict.
Awarded: Hand Injury Settlement/Glass Coffee Carafe Shatters-Hotel Guest
FAQs
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- I've been hurt in a car wreck and the insurance company for the other driver has called me to give a recorded statement. Should I do it?
- Should I use my regular health insurance to pay for the medical care I need as a result of a car accident?
- Our new clients in car accident cases often asked, "Can I accept a check which has been offered to me for my car repairs or will that mess up my claim for injuries and medical bills?"
- Why shouldn't I just take a quick settlement for whatever the car insurance company for the other driver will pay me?
- What do I do if the at-fault driver's car insurance is not returning my calls or dragging its feet after a Virginia car accident with injuries?
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- A big rig went out of control on the road, caused a major accident, and I was injured. Can I recover against the driver of the big rig?
- How much time does it take to resolve a truck accident case? Do most cases settle or go to trial?
- How much time do I have after a trucking accident to file a lawsuit?
- Are there different rules that apply to accidents involving commercial trucks?
- Is the law applying to a car and truck wreck case different from a car injury case and how?
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- A family member died in a nursing home, and after talking with members of the staff, it sounds like they died due to nursing home neglect. Should I get a lawyer?
- I have a feeling something is wrong at my family member's nursing home. What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse or neglect?
- A family member died in a nursing home, and after talking with members of the staff, it sounds like they died due to nursing home neglect. Should I get a lawyer?
What is the Virginia (VA) statute of limitations for personal injury in a medical malpractice case?
Railroad Injury/FELA
- What does Statute 51 of the FELA actually mean?
How is the FELA different from, or similar to, workers compensation?
- I was just diagnosed with cancer or mesothelioma. No one ever told me before that it was connected to railroad work I did many years earlier. Can I still bring a railroad injury or disease claim?
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- I was never knocked unconscious, or at least can't be sure I was ever knocked out. I don't even know if my head struck anything. Could I suffer from a brain injury/closed head injury?
- I was never diagnosed with a closed head injury or a brain injury at first-what does that do to my potential case?
Wrongful Death
- My wife died in a car accident in Virginia. Am I entitled to bring a wrongful death claim against the driver who caused the accident?
- I think I have a wrongful death claim in Virginia as my wife died from injuries in a car crash, but how does a court calculate loss of comfort, sorrow, mental anguish and solace?
- My husband died from injuries in a Virginia car accident, what damages may I claim from a wrongful death case?
- What if an individual dies from the injuries in an accident while the case in pending?
- What is a wrongful death claim?
Slips, Trips & Falls
- What happens if I injured myself at my friend's house or apartment?
- What should I avoid doing after a slip and fall accident?
- If I file a lawsuit against a landowner in response to a slip and fall accident, what are some of the things the landowner might argue against my claim?
- What are "slip and fall" or "trip and fall" injuries?
- What if my slip and fall injury was on my landlord's property, at work, or at a public mall? How does the location affect the legal process?
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
- If I'm hit and injured by a train, bus, airplane, or other common carrier vehicle what can I recover for my injuries?
- If I want to file a lawsuit for injuries I suffered from a bus, train, cruise ship or airplane accident, do I have to file a claim by a certain date or time?
Dangerous Drugs/Product Recalls
What are Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
What are the differences between Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
What are the potential side effects of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella?
Should I speak to a Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella attorney?
How can an attorney help me if I suffered side effects from Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
All Serious Injuries
- Can you provide me with some deposition advice?
- What is a deposition?
Does the court hire the court reporter?
- Who can be present at my deposition?
- How can the opposing party use my deposition against me?
General
- Who pays if I incur an injury due to an auto accident or my car is damaged?
- How much am I likely to recover when in court?
- What if I do not want to go to court because I am getting nervous about testifying?
- How long will the whole process take?
- Can I afford to get into a lawsuit?